If I go for scholarships, can I get a salary in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
Yes, scholarships in Germany and Italy provide a monthly stipend that covers living costs rather than a formal employment salary. German DAAD scholarships offer EUR 934 per month for Master's students. Italian regional scholarships provide EUR 400 to EUR 650 per month. Both allow part-time work to supplement income.
When students ask about a salary from scholarships in Germany or Italy, they are usually thinking about whether scholarship funding is enough to live on comfortably - and the answer is that it depends on the type and level of funding you secure. European scholarships for Master's students typically provide a living stipend rather than a salary from an employer, but in Germany especially, the amounts are generous enough to cover your basic costs without needing a part-time job.
Scholarship Stipend Comparison - Germany vs Italy for Master's Students
| Feature | Germany (DAAD and Erasmus+) | Italy (DSU and Government Scholarships) |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly stipend | EUR 934 to EUR 1,400 per month | EUR 400 to EUR 650 per month |
| Tuition cost | Free at public universities | Waived via scholarship at most institutions |
| Payment frequency | Monthly regular transfers | 2 to 3 large yearly installments |
| Health insurance coverage | Often included in DAAD package | Not always included - check individual award |
| Selection basis | Academic merit and profile strength | Financial need (ISEE Parificato) plus academic merit |
| Part-time work allowed | Yes - student jobs (HiWi positions) available | Yes - up to 20 hours per week on student visa |
Ways to Earn Additional Income Alongside Scholarships
| Income Source | Country | Earnings | How to Access It |
|---|---|---|---|
| HiWi positions (Hilfskraft student jobs) | Germany | EUR 12 to EUR 15 per hour for 10 to 20 hours per week | Apply directly to university departments or professors |
| Assegni di ricerca (research grants) | Italy | Varies by university and project | Apply through university research offices |
| Part-time campus jobs | Both Germany and Italy | Varies by role | University student employment portals |
| Freelance or remote work | Both countries | Depends on skills and clients | Permitted within student visa work hour limits |
My Advice
Germany is the stronger choice if financial stability during your Master's is a priority - the DAAD stipend combined with free public university tuition means many students genuinely cover their living costs without needing additional work. For Italy, the stipend is lower but the cost of living outside major cities like Milan is also much more manageable. In both countries, securing a HiWi or part-time research position gives you a structured work arrangement that builds your CV while supplementing your scholarship income. Apply for DAAD funding at least 12 months before your intended September 2027 start date - deadlines typically fall in October or November for the following academic year.
More expert answers
Yes, you can apply for scholarships in Germany and also work part-time to support your expenses.
- Scholarships: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers fully funded scholarships for international Master's students. These typically include a monthly stipend of €992, health insurance, and travel allowances. Application deadlines are usually July - Nov for programs starting in October (subject to change).
- Part-time work: International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days/year (about 20 hours/week during semesters). During breaks, you may work full-time.
Balancing scholarships with part-time work can help cover your living costs while studying in Germany.
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